Classic Kong Review

If you don’t know the plot, the rock you live under must be rather large. The original Donkey Kong is when Nintendo truly began to create gaming as we know it today. One man, with one mission that creates a simplistic game that has spawned 30+ years of Mario. This game basically created the whole Nintendo franchise, by helping non-gamers identify with the most well-known mascot of all time. Although the plot had been done many times before (rescue princess, defeat bad guy) no other game captured the eye and love of so many gamers at that time.
Unfortunately for later gamers this classic gem has been lost. This isn’t through Nintendo’s lack of trying as the game has appeared in Donkey Kong 64 and the Donkey Kong game on Game Boy. However, it hasn’t been the main focus of the game it’s been involved in and due to this a lot of aspects have been lost (such as difficulty and playability). In 2012 the homebrew community was invited to relive the classic (with updated graphics) on Nintendo’s definitive, Super Nintendo console, courtesy of Bubble Zap.
Classic Kong isn’t a reimagining of the game as seen within numerous other titles or repetition of the game, it’s a complete remake of the original arcade Donkey Kong, done by using graphics reminiscent of Game Boy Advance titles. The aim is simple in that you need to advance through the stage by reaching the top of the level, using a system of ladders and moving platforms. This is done to complete the stage, but also reflects upon the bitter struggle to save the princess. The real challenge is timing in this game (just like the original) with the speed and mechanics of our beloved protagonist Mario similar (if not the same) as the original. However, the difference is that Mario has become a beautifully coloured sprite, set in the backdrop of a wondrously, vivid landscape.
The game differs slightly in that the items and sprites have changed, but given the evolution that the Super Nintendo brought to home consoles, if this game was released by Nintendo themselves in the 90’s, one would assume that the game would definitely look similar to this. However, Bubble Zap did expand on what I feel Nintendo wouldn’t have done choosing characters emphatically cartoonish opposed to the original set block type, commonly seen in other Snes Mario games. The sprites are more reflective of Nintendo’s evolution into the GBA years. This is a good thing as Mario seems more approachable, just like the feelings gamers had with the arcade version done for a renewed audience.
The reimagining is beautiful and as gaming evolves it’s always pleasant to reminisce through playing re-mastered favourites. The game is still as addictive as it was all those years ago, with the added bonus that it is now a Super Nintendo game. Classic Kong takes the familiar embellishes the favourite and combines the two beautifully, to ensure those who missed its brilliance the first time roundFree Web Content, will surely be hooked upon this update.